Which industries use IBC containers?

Intermediate bulk containers or IBC containers play a crucial role in various industries.

Their shape, composition, and overall durability make them the container of choice during various stages of production.

In this article, we’ll examine how several industries rely on IBC tanks to meet their needs, and how well these containers perform in different settings.

Chemical industry

Several features of IBC tanks make them an ideal vessel to store and transport chemicals.

IBC containers made from high-density polyethylene or HDPE are corrosion-resistant, which means they won’t react with the chemicals they’re storing and break down.

The containers are also equipped with a lid on top as well as a valve at its base, both of which serve a dual function.

The lid allows for easy filling, and when closed can prevent cross contamination. The valve enables the chemicals to be dispensed, but also serves to prevent leaks. 

Agricultural industry

Whether you’re engaging in small-scale farming or mass production, IBC tanks are useful tools to carry and store many of the typical products used in agriculture.

For storing animal feed, seeds and grains, and water for livestock and irrigation, IBC containers are large, available in food-grade quality and are sealed to prevent water or anything else from contaminating the products inside.

Their size is also useful when carrying fertiliser and pesticides.

However, their true value for storing these products is similar to that of the chemical industry, whereby the chemicals in fertilisers and pesticides won’t cause the container to deteriorate.

Food and beverage industry

In the food and beverage industry, containers carrying these products must adhere to strict food safety regulations.

New IBC tanks are available with a food-grade rating, which means that they are certified as safe to handle products meant for human consumption.

At the same time, they have airtight seals which protect the food or beverages inside from being exposed to possible contaminants, thus adding an additional layer of protection.  

Waste management and recycling

Whether it’s biomedical waste, chemical waste, or any other type of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, disposal must be handled with the utmost care.

IBC containers are capable of handling the equivalent of hundreds of litres of waste, without damaging the container due to excess weight or corrosion.

Their shape and metal outer cage facilitate stacking and transportation to waste disposal or treatment centres.

In the case of waste management, one can opt to use a repurposed IBC tank, which offers the same useful qualities, but without the food-grade certification.

Water treatment plants

When it comes to keeping a clean water source, an IBC container is a formidable option.

It’s able to hold hundreds of litres of water and remain intact. The chemicals used to treat that water won’t damage the container, because HDPE is resistant to the effects of chemical corrosion.

IBC tanks are fitted with an airtight lid and valve, ensuring that nothing can enter and pollute the water inside, nor can the water in the container escape accidentally.

If the water is meant to be potable, IBC tanks are available with food-grade certifications, keeping your water supply safe to drink.

Pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry

In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, sanitation is just as crucial as it is in the food and beverage industry.

Therefore, a food-grade certified IBC tank is an essential tool to ensure that the container itself is safe to store those products.

Concurrently, a closed IBC container is airtight, ensuring that its contents aren’t exposed to pollutants such as water or dust.

Once the container has reached its final destination, the contents can be easily dispensed via the valve found at the bottom of the tank.

Petroleum industry

IBC tanks have several qualities which make them an asset to the oil and gas industry.

Typically, this sector will see the transport and storage of petrol and other abrasive chemicals.

Therefore, an IBC container made from HDPE is critical because it won’t degrade from chemical exposure.

IBC tanks are also contained in a metal cage, which provides additional protection during transportation and storage. The metal cage and sealing lid and valve help to prevent a fire hazard caused by any accidental spillage or leaking.

Paint and coatings industry

Shipping and storing the various paints, varnishes and coatings produced by the paint and coatings industry requires a container that keeps those liquids intact.

With an IBC tank, there are features such as an airtight lid and UV protection, which will protect against contamination or degradation due to UV exposure, preserving the product inside.

IBC containers also feature valves for easy release.

Construction and infrastructure

Construction often sees the transportation of raw materials such as sand and cement, as well as chemicals and cleaning agents.

As a result, it’s necessary to have a container that’s capable of carrying large quantities without risk of damage in between building sites.

With an IBC tank, you’ll be using a container that can handle the strain of carrying caustic chemicals and the weight of several hundred of litres of product.

The dimensions of an IBC container also make them easier to stack and transport, whilst minimising the risk of damage.

Manufacturing

Similar to the construction industry, the manufacturing industry also sees the transport and storage of raw materials in bulk.

However, IBC containers are just as useful during the middle and end of the production process, as they are at the beginning.

Being constructed from HDPE makes them resistant to chemical corrosion.

Furthermore, UV-protected IBC tanks protect their contents from UV exposure, features which can be useful if storage is needed midway through production.

Moreover, their size and shape make them the perfect vessel to deliver a final product in trucks and ships.

The metal cage is useful to attach harnesses and secure the containers during transit or when being moved by forklifts.

Choosing the Right IBC for Your Business Needs

IBC containers are versatile tools for a myriad of industries.

Whether you’re looking to ship food or store chemicals, an IBC tank is up for the task.

For more information on how an IBC container can be an asset to your business, contact the experts at ITP Packaging and discover our wide collection.

For more information on Which industries use IBC containers? talk to ITP Packaging Ltd